Toyota Announces Massive Recall for Fuel Leak Problems

By Orlando Personal Injury Attorney on February 1, 2011

Toyota Motor Company announced a new recall recently that affects nearly 1.7 million of their luxury Lexus models. The problem is due to two fuel leak problems. The larger recall affects 1.3 million Lexus sedans sold in Japan, 225,000 sold in the U.S. and 10,000 sold in Europe. The recall concerns the improper installation of a fuel pressure sensor. In some cases, the sensor has vibrated loose, allowing fuel to leak into the engine compartment and create a serious fire hazard. The models sold in the U.S. that are affected by the recall include the following:

•    2006-07 Lexus GS300/350 sedans
•    2006-09 Lexus IS250 sedans
•    2006-early 2008 Lexus IS350 sedans

Toyota claims that it has received no reports of accidents or deaths in connection with the sensor, but has acknowledged that it has received more than 140 complaints in Japan and 75 more in the U.S. Toyota dealers have been instructed to inspect affected models for leaks and re-torque the sensor if no leaks are found. If the sensor is leaking, the dealer will replace its gasket and the line leading to it at no charge.

The second fuel leak recall involves cracked fuel lines. Toyota reports that this recall affects 141,000 vehicles sold in Japan, Europe and New Zealand. These recalls are the latest in a series of recalls over the last several years that have tarnished the reputation of the world’s largest automaker. Toyota was once synonymous with quality and dependability. However, recalls affecting millions of Toyota models for sticking accelerators, faulty headlight switches, brake failures and other problems along with fines for failing to investigate problems in a timely manner have battered the brand.

This latest recall is potentially very serious as leaking fuel coming into contact with a hot exhaust manifold or something else in the engine compartment could be deadly. People injured by faulty products can, with the assistance of an Orlando personal injury lawyer, seek damages from the manufacturer, the distributor and the seller under Florida product liability laws. If you have been injured in an accident or fire caused by this or any of the other Toyota recalls and want to speak with an attorney, call Orlando personal injury attorney James O. Cunningham today at 888-425-2004 or 407-425-2000 to schedule a free consultation. In more than three decades of practicing law, he has a proven record of success helping people receive the fair and just compensation they deserve. Call today.

James O. Cunningham

Since 1977, personal injury lawyer James Cunningham has provided effective legal advocacy to people who are injured through the negligent actions of another person or entity throughout the Central Florida area. He fights to obtain recoveries for his clients’ physical and emotional pain and suffering and pursues his clients’ personal injury cases with a commitment to excellence and impeccable preparation.